Herbalist

Herbalists use plant-based (herbal) medicines to treat a range of health conditions such as stress, arthritis or allergies and skin, digestion and respiration related problems. Herbal medicines come in a variety of forms such as pills, creams or liquids.

The Work

sometimes doing a physical examination including tests, such as measuring blood pressure

diagnosing various conditions with the help, where appropriate, of diagnostic laboratory tests

selecting the appropriate herbs to use based on your diagnosis and any other medication already taken by the client

preparing the mixture of herbs and extracts to use in treatment, which could be a cream, pills such as capsules, or a drink such as a tea or tincture

giving the treatment, often over several visits

giving advice on diet and lifestyle

advising your client to see a doctor or other therapist

keeping records of clients and progress.

Pay

Most herbalists are self-employed or work on a freelance basis so their earnings will depend on the number of clients. They normally charge an hourly fee or sessional rate which can be £35 to £65 for an initial consultation and around £20 to £35 for subsequent consultations.

The cost of the medicines would be charged extra. At the start of their career they might only earn £6,000 a year, but if successful earnings can rise to over £30,000 a year.

Conditions

You may work in a consulting room in a clinic or health centre.

You may work from your own home.

You might visit clients in their homes, so you may have to travel.

You may have variable working hours and have to work evenings or weekends.

Training

After completing an accredited course, you can apply for membership of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH).

Once you have gained your qualification, training is on the job, with short courses to keep you up to date.

Getting On

You might find work in the National Health Service (NHS) but most herbalists are self-employed.

With experience you might be able to increase the size of your business.

You might manufacture and sell herbal products.

You might combine your work with teaching and research.

More Information

Herbalists are sometimes called phytotherapists (‘phyto’ means plant or herb). The government does not regulate Herbalists. However, if they are registered with the NIMH they must be fully trained and insured.

It is important that Herbalists are properly trained and regulated since they need to know how certain herbs interact with conventional medicines, and any side effects that herbs can cause in individuals. Work is still on-going to set up the new statutory body to regulate the work of herbalists and accredit courses.

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.